If you are currently job hunting, the latest report from Checkr, a human resources technology company, may be helpful to you. The report ranks the best cities in the United States for job opportunities and income growth prospects, with notable absences of the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas in the top ten.
With the U.S. economy facing challenging times and early impacts of disruptive changes being driven by artificial intelligence (AI), many Americans are focused on financial stability, career resilience, and long-term income potential.
The reality of job flexibility, automation, and evolving skill requirements has led many individuals and families to reassess their financial goals, and in some cases even reconsider their places of residence. According to Checkr, for some people, moving to a city with better job prospects and higher wages is not only a wise choice but also a necessary decision to stay competitive in an unstable economic environment.
Checkr analyzed the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Bureau of Economic Analysis to identify the cities with the best employment and income potential in 2025. Checkr evaluated seven key metrics for the top 100 metropolitan areas in the United States—from income growth to unemployment rates—and ranked them to assist job seekers, recent graduates, and mobile professionals in finding where their next job opportunity might be.
Based on factors such as unemployment rates, labor force growth, workforce size, and vacancy-to-employment ratio, Checkr analysts calculated the Employment Opportunity Score for each city. Furthermore, analysts determined the Earning Potential Score for each city based on actual per capita personal income, 10-year income growth, and the percentage of households earning over $200,000.
To calculate the final “Employment & Earnings Score,” Checkr assigned 50% weight to both the Employment Opportunity Score and the Earning Potential Score.
According to CNBC’s report, Checkr’s research and content strategist, Sam Radbil, stated that the study showed medium-sized cities as the “big winners” in this ranking, challenging the traditional notion that large cities dominate in terms of jobs and salaries.
He said, “The geographical distribution of (employment) opportunities is changing.”
According to Checkr’s data, here are the top ten cities in the United States for job opportunities and earning potential.
Raleigh, located in the “Research Triangle” of North Carolina, is a technology hub that encompasses North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“The Research Triangle offers abundant opportunities in healthcare and education, making employment there highly sought after,” Radbil said.
Checkr mentioned that Raleigh provides a robust combination of high-paying opportunities and affordable cost of living due to its strong technology and biotech prowess, proximity to top universities, and growing population.
Radbil noted significant job growth in Nashville and Austin.
Besides being renowned for country music, Nashville is now known for its strong healthcare, education, and logistics industries, along with a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and cultural appeal to attract young professionals.
Due to an influx of tech companies, Austin offers numerous high-paying jobs. However, the cost of living in Austin is continuously rising.
Salt Lake City has developed into a technology and financial center in the Western region with a thriving job market.
Radbil mentioned that both the popularity and population of Salt Lake City are steadily increasing.
Portland stands out as a relatively smaller metropolitan area with low unemployment rates and strong wage growth.
Radbil mentioned that Portland is increasingly popular among remote workers who appreciate its relatively lower rent and housing costs.
Denver’s wages and job opportunities are steadily growing, and despite rising housing costs, Radbil stated that the city is not particularly expensive as a place to live.
Omaha has seen a large number of corporate relocations, boosting the city’s job market and wage levels. Radbil remarked that in terms of cost of living, the city remains “very, very affordable.”
Radbil noted that Charlotte’s workforce has grown by over 10% in the last five years.
“Charlotte has a significant presence in the financial industry, which continues to attract people here,” he said.
Charleston has developed into a rapidly growing metropolis driven by port expansion, aerospace manufacturing, and a thriving tech industry. The city’s economic growth, accompanied by significant population growth, makes it a magnet for talent and investment.
The job market in Charleston’s finance and healthcare industries is also steadily expanding. Additionally, the salary packages here are quite substantial. According to Radbil, the proportion of people in Charleston with an annual income exceeding $200,000 is on the rise.
Radbil stated that Indianapolis may not be as glamorous as coastal cities but it offers a stable job market and reasonable cost of living.
“The Midwest region presents a favorable business environment and good income potential,” he said.
Checkr mentioned in the report that the 2025 job market continues to reflect changes in the U.S. economy. Remote work, rising living costs, demographic shifts, and rapid technological transformations collectively shape this economic landscape. In this context, cities that strike a balance in employment opportunities, salary growth, and economic diversity have become the most hopeful destinations for workers seeking stability and upward mobility.
The New York metropolitan area (also known as the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area) ranked 42nd in Checkr’s rankings, while the Los Angeles metropolitan area (also known as the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area) ranked 62nd.